LX Passenger Minivan

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Review

2012
Kia
Sedona Review

A solid contender for your family mover

Reviewed by Automotive on
9/27/2011

Overview

While fresher competition is often seen as go-to haulers for family duties, the Kia Sedona remains a tried and true option for value-minded shoppers. Often voted a best buy, there is no shortage of high praise for the Sedona. It's loaded with standard safety equipment, too: anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, six airbags, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It received a five-star crash rating from NHTSA and was once called the safest minivan ever tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Range

What's New

Color choices are updated for 2012, and the auto-dimming rearview mirror receives some technical updates to make it more user-friendly. Lastly, shoppers can now select a rear-seat entertainment system for Sedona LX models; previously it was only available on the higher-end EX. Otherwise, the Sedona carries over from 2011 unchanged.

Exterior

Looking like a traditional minivan devoid of swoopy lines or funky styling, the Sedona is designed to carry a maximum amount of cargo without a fuss. That's emphasized in the large, squarish shape that has come to define the segment. Sans the new "tiger nose" corporate grille that was added for 2011, the Sedona carries on, uncontroversial and practical as can be.

Interior

Like all other Kias, standard multimedia features come in abundance with the Sedona. As standard equipment, the Sedona comes with a stereo system equipped with MP3 jacks, Sirius satellite radio, and a backup warning system. Steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, and EcoMinder indicator are standard. Power-adjustable seats are optional on the Sedona, as is three-zone air-conditioning (two-zone is standard). Homelink was added to the rearview mirror and a cluster ionizer feature was added (EX). A 660-watt premium rear entertainment system is optional, as is the navigation system, rear backup camera, and heated leather front seats with the luxury package.

Performance & Handling

With brisk acceleration from its powerful V-6 engine, the Sedona is one of the quicker vehicles in its class. The ride is soft and forgiving, but it doesn't feel like a sponge, either. With a manumatic override to the Sedona's six-speed automatic transmission, expect it to have more than enough punch to get out of its own way -- or get your kids to practice on-time when you're running late.

Safety

Dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags for all rows are standard on the Sedona, as are four-wheel discs with ABS, electronic brake distribution, and brake assist. Stability and traction control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system also come standard.